According to statistics, the 2004 event experienced significant growth from previous years, with more than 60,000 visitors -- an increase of about 10% from 2003 -- of whom more than 30% were international from 110 countries. Additionally, there were almost 1,500 exhibitors -- including approximately 900 Italian and 600 international firms -- from 47 countries. The entire show covered a net area of nearly 670,000 square feet.

Exhibits included natural stone in a broad range of forms, including blocks, slabs, tiles, cut-to-size work and mosaics. On the machinery side, there were exhibitors of stoneworking equipment such as saws, polishers and computerized stoneworking centers, as well as tools such as diamond blades, polishing pads, router bits and cupwheels. Finally, installation and maintenance products such as stone sealers, adhesives, cleaners and grouts were also on display in Verona.

Trends at the show were numerous. In the natural stone arena, there seemed to be an increase in the popularity of stone mosaics, which took on a range of standard and custom formats. Of course, slab choices from around the world are also increasing, with new golden varieties from nations such as Brazil. Also, natural stone materials with blue accents or “spectralites” were also in abundance, as the industry continues to show its willingness to pay a premium for any material with a “true” blue color.

In the area of machinery, many new bridge saws and polishers were introduced, and several of these new offerings include a higher degree of computerization than previous models. There were also advances in stoneworking accessories, including items for polishing, cutting and shaping.

The stone installation and maintenance sector also viewed Marmomacc as an opportunity to display their latest offerings, with new products geared especially to today's preferred stone types, finishes and applications.

International promotion

For the first time, Italian and Chinese trade associations met to discuss the situation in the field and to seek points of agreement over international trade and competition, where China is one of the determined competitors. “We are delighted in achieving this objective,” said Luigi Castelletti, president of VeronaFiere. “All parameters attained growth. This is an impressively positive outcome that goes against the trends, given the general situation in the exhibition market. The sector is showing clear signs of recovery -- highlighted by the visitors present -- and this is very encouraging, not the least in view of the importance of the Veneto-Veronese stone district, which is still today one of the most important in the world. As for infrastructure, we will launch a series of investments in order to be able to welcome even more exhibitors, resolve waiting lists and ensure even better services [in future exhibitions].”

According to Director General Giovanni Mantovani, VeronaFiere also plans to further its promotional efforts, particularly in the U.S. and Eastern Europe. “Our objective is to accompany companies in such markets and support them in their internationalization process,” he said. “We must be the link between companies and the end consumer.”

Honoring industry leaders

The Ancient Free Corp. of Stone Arts, guided by a committee of authoritative exponents in the stone industry, including Cesare Bellamoli, Gino Bombana, Onorio Bombieri, Aldo Breoni, Adriano Segattini and the president of Veronafiere, Luigi Castelletti. The prestigious “cube” (the historic emblem of the corporation) and a silver plaque were awarded to an architect, a journalist and four entrepreneurs who are particularly distinguished in their respective professional fields by their dedication to the development of the field.

The recipients of the 2004 awards went to: Paolo Portoghesi, an Italian architect who is a key figure in contemporary architecture and one of the main interpreters of the international trend founded on research into an intimate relationship between architecture and nature; Robert Tollet, a Belgian economist and president of the Belgian Central Council for the Economy as well as president of the Royal Commission for Monuments, Sites and Excavations of the Walloons Region; Wolfgang Bachmann, a German journalist and editor-in-chief of Baumeister Magazine, the second oldest architecture magazine in Germany, founded in 1913.

Additionally, awards were also presented to Cypriot entrepreneur Pantelis Pashias who has been active in the stone sector for more than 30 years, and Italian Lucia Brunelli in recognition of significant entrepreneurial activity carried forward with determination and tenacity with sister Milva in the heart of Valpantena.

Finally, Giorgio Zusi, an editor from Italy, was recognized as a founder of a publishing house in 1962. Zusi also was one of the founders of the Ancient Free Corp. of Masters of Stone, with two of the best known and historic sector magazines: L'Informatore del Marmista and Marmor.

U.S. architects speak

“Italy boasts a great historical tradition embracing both products and equipment, and the former are held in high regard on the American market for external applications, cladding and flooring, as well as for aesthetically sophisticated design and economic advantages,” explained Pei, director of the development project for the head offices of the Bank of China in Beijing, China, as well as major stone projects in the U.S. “Americans like and buy Italian stone.”

Ritchie -- who has designed prestigious projects in the U.S. such as the Chrysler Center and the AT & T World Headquarters in New York -- fully agreed. “Marble and granite perfectly interpret the needs and tastes of American consumers, seeking quality products that are easy to purchase, especially from Italy, through a distribution network in the U.S.”

Natural Stone, Marmomacc and the AIA: A winning combination for architects

Gail Cavanagh of Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson and Abbott in Boston, MA, said it all: “I learned a lot and aspire to use some of those beautiful stones we were able to see. I would recommend this seminar experience to anyone.”

Other participants shared Cavanagh's enthusiasm about the program. “I have been all over the world to stone events,” said Darrell Petit of Darrell Petit LLC in Stony Creek, CT. “This was the best organized and most interesting.”

“Not only would I recommend this experience to anyone, but I would go again in a heartbeat,” said Samuel Herpin of Remson-Haley Architects in Baton Rouge, LA.

On the first day, the architects visited a marble quarry and a factory for Vicenza Yellow Stone. Over the following days, seminars on materials, techniques and selection were offered, together with guided field trips to historic villas, stone workshops, points of interest in Verona, and a thorough exploration of many of Marmomacc's more than 1,300 exhibits.

“Realizing the vastness and importance of the stone industry in Italy will most assuredly help my practice,” said Don Newman of RightSpec in Seattle, WA. “Seeing it all with guides allowed for an amazingly rich experience.”

Veronafiere, an AIA CES provider, accepts only 15 U.S. architects each year for this program. Architects compete for scholarships that cover tuition, meals, hotel accommodations and local transportation. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between the U.S. and Verona as well as an administrative fee of $300.

The course, which was co-sponsored by Stone World, will be offered again during the next Marmomacc, September 29 to October 2, 2005. More information can be obtained by contacting the U.S. coordinator, Julie Buss at: jbuss@cig-dc.com.

A sampling of the exhibitors at Marmomacc 2004 Stone Suppliers